Colette

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1873-1954

A WHIFF OF SCANDAL

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette was born on 28 January 1873, the daughter of Sidonie Landoy and Captain Colette. She had a happy childhood, pampered by her parents, who considered her to be ‘the family jewel.

An experienced novelist, Colette began her career in Music Hall in 1906 and performed on the stage of the Moulin Rouge alongside her friend Missy, aka the Marquise de Morny.
A performance by the two of a pantomime called ‘Egyptian Dream’, quite avant-garde for the time, finished to the boos of an outraged public. The following day, the Chief of Police in person threatened to close the cabaret if the ‘Egyptian Dream’ was performed again. What was all the fuss about? A long kiss between the two artistes…